The farm: “My father Denis Griffin runs the farm in Co Kerry. I’m a primary teacher but get on to the farm as much as I can. My dad has always been a great support to me.”

Farm size: “The farm is 70 acres, 70 good acres mind you. It’s good, dry land to be fair and my dad has always looked after the place well.”

System: “We used to have sucklers but we have beef cattle now and we do contract-rearing of dairy heifers too. I love the farming, you have to really.”

Selling: “We sell the cattle in Castleisland Mart. I sold my own two bulls in Castleisland too. It’s a great mart and we’re always very happy with the prices we get there.”

Rugby: “I started playing rugby when I was young – my dad was a great influence. People think that because I’m from Kerry it was football you’d be interested in but we were always playing rugby out in the back garden from very young. I’ve moved up the way and am with the international team now.”

World Cup: “The Rugby World Cup starts on 9 August. Like most of teams in it, we hope to win it outright. It’s not every year that you get a World Cup in your country.”

Flanker: “I play flanker in the back row. It’s a great position. You have to be tough and like getting your hands dirty. It’s no different to the farming, really.”

Family: “My dad is Denis and my mother is Kathleen. My dad usually gets all the attention in these things but my mother has been a great help and support too. I’ve three sisters.”

Quotable quote: “Farming is great, I love it. It’s a great release from the rugby and I’m lucky to be involved in it.”

  • You can read more about Ciara and her Ireland team-mates in this week’s Irish Country Living.

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